The 2018 North Carolina Main Street conference will offer
attendees tools to put in their downtown toolkits\, such as quality design
and historic preservation initiatives\, funding options\, and economic de
velopment strategies that will transform downtown districts. The keynote a
nd breakout sessions will feature 21st-century economic development and do
wntown trends\, entrepreneurship\, branding\, social media\, and much more
. Attendees will hear from some of the state’s most inspiring change agent
s\, including committed Main Street Champions and city\, town\, and county
managers\, as they convey what it takes to build partnerships for vibrant
communities.

The Johnston County
Chorale presents A Christmas Celebration!\, featuring your favor
ite holiday tunes. The show also features the West Johnston High School Wo
men’s Ensemble\, performers from the Steps on Stage Dance Studio\, and the
West Johnston High School Dance Team. Tickets go on sale on November 2 at
10 AM.

The Johnston County
Chorale presents A Christmas Celebration!\, featuring your favor
ite holiday tunes. The show also features the West Johnston High School Wo
men’s Ensemble\, performers from the Steps on Stage Dance Studio\, and the
West Johnston High School Dance Team. Tickets go on sale on November 2 at
10 AM.

Find inspiration for you very special day right here at The Clayto
n Center! The 2016 Clayton Wedding Exp0 is this Saturday\, February 6\, fr
om 11 AM-4 PM. Meet with more than 30 vendors specializing in professional
wedding services. The event also will feature food tastings\, giveaways\,
and breakout sessions pre-register here.

Versatile tenor Franc
D’Ambrosio interprets his favorite Broadway tunes in this engaging one-ma
n show. Acclaimed as the world’s longest running Phantom in The Phanto
m of the Opera\, this incredibly talented vocalist will serenade you
and your sweetheart as you celebrate Valentine’s Day and enjoy “the music
of the night.”

Clayton Youth Theater presents You Can’t Take It With You\,
em>a comedy by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman. Meet the Sycamore family.
Whether writing plays\, making firecrackers\, collecting snakes\, playing
the xylophone\, or dancing ballet\, each member of this lovable yet eccent
ric family marches to his own drummer. The one member of the household tha
t is in touch with the outside world is Alice\, the youngest daughter. Whe
n Alice gets engaged to Tony Kirby and invites her new fiancé and his cons
ervative parents over for dinner\, the straight-laced Kirbys meet the zany
Sycamores. Anything can happen… and it probably will!

Students of the East Clayton Elementary School Drama Club presen
t the beloved classic The Reluctant Dragon on Thursday\, March 10\, and Fr
iday\, March 11\, at 7 PM. All seating is reserved. Tickets must be purcha
sed through The Clayton Center box office or online.

Lee Roy Parnell is amon
g the elite few who boast success as an ace guitarist\, a distinctive sing
er and a hit songwriter. Using soulful vocals and award-winning slide guit
ar skills\, he fuses hardcore honky tonk\, barroom rock & roll\, blues\, b
oogie\, and Western swing into a style all his own.

The incomparable Mike Farr
is returns to Clayton in 2016! Fresh off his Grammy win for Best Roots Gos
pel Album\, Farris shares original material as well as his trademark inter
pretations of traditional gospel steeped in the influence of rock & roll\,
New Orleans swagger and vintage Memphis soul.

Car
olina Dance Productions presents the 2016 spring recital I Feel Better
When I’m Dancing. Two performances are scheduled for Saturday\, May
14. Performances are at 1:30 PM and 5:30 PM. Check with the studio for yo
ur student’s event time.

\n

Important Ticket Information\nTickets for both recitals go on sale on Monday\, May 2\, at 10
AM. Please note that there is an 6 ticket limit o
n orders sold between 10 AM on Monday\, May 2\, and 10 AM on Wednesday\, M
ay 4. Also\, please be sure that you are buying tickets to the correct eve
nt before finalizing your purchase as all ticket sales are final\, and tickets to these events can not be ref
unded or exchanged for another performance time.

Car
olina Dance Productions presents the 2016 spring recital I Feel Better
When I’m Dancing. Two performances are scheduled for Saturday\, May
14. Performances are at 1:30 PM and 5:30 PM. Check with the studio for yo
ur student’s event time.

\n

Important Ticket Information\nTickets for both recitals go on sale on Monday\, May 2\, at 10
AM. Please note that there is an 6 ticket limit o
n orders sold between 10 AM on Monday\, May 2\, and 10 AM on Wednesday\, M
ay 4. Also\, please be sure that you are buying tickets to the correct eve
nt before finalizing your purchase as all ticket sales are final\, and tickets to these events can not be ref
unded or exchanged for another performance time.

Free reception
to announce the winners and honor entrants in the “Capture The Town” phot
o contest. “Capture the Town” will feature the talents of area photographe
rs as they capture images unique to Clayton. This is the first photography
competition of its kind offered by Clayton Visual Arts\, Inc.

\nComedian and actor Jay Derrell White and Sinclair En
tertainment present the 2016 Summer Comedy Series at The Clayton Center. T
he series will feature hilariously funny comedians from across the country
. The first show is Saturday\, June 11\, at 8 PM\, and will feature Donne
ll Rawlings (Ashy Larry from the Dave Chappell Show)\, Reginald B
allard (Bruh Man from the highly acclaimed Martin Show) and Ralei
gh’s own “Mello” Mike Miller who has worked with and written for Tracey Mo
rgan.\n

Tickets are $25 for balcony seating\, $35 for floor seating
and $45 for VIP seating. VIP tickets also include a meet and greet with th
e comedians\, 2 complimentary cocktails and a lavish international buffet.

Whether you missed Part I or you’re coming back for more\, y
ou can’t afford to miss the second installment of the 2016 Summer Comedy S
eries\, hosted again by hilarious local legend
\, Jay Derrell. The Saturday\, July 9\, show features the comedic talents
of Pierre Edwards\, known as Pierre\, Shaun Jones and TALENT.

\n

Pier
re is an American actor\, director\, writer and stand-up comedian. He appe
ared on the first year of HBO’s Def Comedy Jam\, than starred on
BET Comicview. Pierre was also featured on the comedy shows Showtime a
t the Apollo\, Martin Lawrence Presents First Amendment and
other late nite TV shows.

\n

Shaun Jones is truly making his mark eve
rywhere he goes\, with his quick wit and fashionable flair. He has travele
d worldwide entertaining crowds\, using many of his personal life experien
ces to get a good laugh. Like an accomplished chef\, Shaun’s comedy combin
es a cup of truth\, a tablespoon of originality\, and a double twist of hu
mor.

\n

TALENT’s comedic style is firmly grounded within his innate a
bility to combine impromptu humor and an instinctive timely delivery. Ofte
n referred to as comedy’s “King of New York\,: TALENT has a natural abilit
y to bring laughter into households and venues. He has headlined his own c
omedy shows and tours as well as making special appearances on BET’s C
omic View and HBO’s Snaps and Def Comedy Jam.

ABOUT JEANNE\nJeanne’s music is heartfelt. It combines the
earthiness of American roots music\, a hint of jazz sophistication\, and t
he smoldering emotion of soul ballads. Jeanne\, a Raleigh native\, began h
er musical career as a featured vocalist for Chris Botti. While touring wi
th the Grammy award-winning jazz trumpeter\, she worked with world-renowne
d symphonies and had the distinct honor to perform at venues such as Carne
gie Hall and play marquee events such as the MontereyJazz Festival.

\n

The reception will be held from 6-7:15 PM\, and will feature light ho
rs d’oeuvres and cash bar. The concert begins at 7:30 PM.

\n

Seating for this event is limited\, so purc
hase your tickets early! Also\, please note that tickets must be purchased
in advance. Tickets WILL NOT be sold at the door for this event.
p>\n

Clear your calendars! The Summer Comedy Series comes to a st
itch-busting end on Saturday\, August 20\, with the comedy of Kountry Wayn
e.

\n

Wayne Colley is a superstar c
omedian on the rise! However\, if you asked him to describe himself\, he w
ould say he is just a humble guy from the small town of Millen\, Georgia.
He currently has a following on social media of over 2.5 million raving fa
ns who fully support his comedic ventures. OE CLAIR

\n

Host\, comedi
an\, radio personality and on-air veteran Joe Clair got his start on HBO’s
famed Def Comedy Jam before gaining national notoriety as host o
f BET’s famed show Rap City\, where he introduced the world to hi
p-hop and rap superstars and was most notably known as the last person to
interview hip-hop icon Notorious B.I.G.

Don’t miss a special solo Evening With John Hiatt\, brought
to The Clayton Center by Bob Nocek Presents\, o
n Friday\, October 14\, at 8 PM. Tickets go on sale this Friday\, June 24\
, at 10 AM.

\n

The American rock guitarist\, pianist\, singer\, and songwrit
er has released 22 albums and bridged a variety of genres over his 40 year
s in the music business. His music crosses boundaries between Americana\,
blues\, folk\, and country. He currently is touring in support of his most
recent album\, Terms of My Surrender.

The Wonder Bread Year
s is a fresh and funny salute to Americana. The show\, which stars fo
rmer Seinfeld writer Pat Hazell\, is a fast-paced\, hilarious production t
hat gracefully walks the line between standup and theater.

Showtime declared Pat Hazell one of the fi
ve funniest people in America. His 25 years of experience as a writer\, pr
oducer and director have made him a go-to guy for new American theater. Pa
t is one of the original writers for NBC’s Seinfeld\, a Tonig
ht Show veteran\, a critically acclaimed playwright and a contributin
g commentator to National Public Radio. wonderbreadyears.com

Chase Padgett delivers a virtu
osic performance in 6 Guitars. Chase portraying six different gui
tar players\, each with their own voice\, views and musical style. The cha
racters – who range in age from a 19-year-old rock prodigy to an 87- year-
old bluesman – play songs from their genre and tell the stories of their m
usical journeys.

\n

With ample music from multiple genres\, the show
blends elements of stand-up comedy and musical improvisation. 6 Guita
rs truly offers something for everyone. sixguitars.com

You are invited to attend the taping
of a brand new stand up showcase television program with Sinbad\, as he ho
sts 12 of the funniest clean comedians headlining in America today. You wi
ll recognize many of these Comedy All Stars from “The Tonight Show\,” “Th
e Late Show\,” “Saturday Night Live\,” HBO\, Showtime\, MTV and many other
network programs. Be part of the fun and hilarity during the taping of
this new stand- up showcase with 12 great clean comics and Sinbad! What co
uld be better for our comedy fans?

\n

Since becoming a finalist on Ed
McMahon’s Star Search back in 1983\, Sinbad exploded onto the national c
omedy scene and has never left. In fact\, he has become more significant
as time goes on and is considered by many as one of comedy’s few “living l
egends.” Sinbad’s hundreds of TV appearances include the Tonight Show\, NB
C’s The Apprentice and on Comedy Central. He starred in many movies includ
ing Jingle All the Way and First Kid and has had several of his own Showti
me Comedy Specials over the years. Here’s your chance to see one of comedi
es true All-Stars in action!

\n

<
b>* Please Note: This show is appropriate
for ages 14 & older. This show will be filmed for television. By purchasin
g a ticket to this event\, you give Pure Flix Entertainment your consent t
o be photographed\, filmed and/or otherwise recorded\, and your entry to t
his event constitutes your consent to your appearance in any use of these
recordings by Pure Flix Entertainment. Due to the taping of this show\, sp
ecific seating may not be determined until the night of the event. All sea
ts are General Admission. No Reserved Seating. Please call the Box Office
at 919-553-1737 for more information.

You are invited to attend the taping of a brand new stand up showcase t
elevision program with Jeff Allen\, as he hosts 12 of the funniest clean c
omedians headlining in America today. You will recognize many of these Co
medy All Stars from The Tonight Show\, The Late Show\,
Saturday Night Live\, HBO\, Showtime\, MTV and many other network
programs. Be part of the fun and hilarity during the taping of this new
stand up showcase with 12 great clean comics and Jeff Anderson! What cou
ld be better for our comedy fans?

\n

Jeff Allen is the best at what h
e does — making people laugh as hard as humanly possible. His Happy Wi
fe\, Happy Life message of a marriage gone wrong and redeemed has giv
en laughter and encouragement to millions of people. Jeff’s comedy drives
home the humor in everyday family life and the joy derived from a healthy
marriage.

\n

For four decades\, Jeff Allen has been performing in the
aters\, on television and radio\, and as a keynote for corporate functions
and fundraisers around the world.

\n

* Please Note: This show is approp
riate for ages 14 & older. This show will be filmed for television. By pur
chasing a ticket to this event\, you give Pure Flix Entertainment your con
sent to be photographed\, filmed and/or otherwise recorded\, and your entr
y to this event constitutes your consent to your appearance in any use of
these recordings by Pure Flix Entertainment. Due to the taping of this sho
w\, specific seating may not be determined until the night of the event. A
ll seats are General Admission. No Reserved Seating. Please call the Box O
ffice at 919-553-1737 for more information.

You are invited to attend the taping
of a brand new stand up showcase television program with Louie Anderson\
, as he hosts 12 of the funniest clean comedians headling in America today
. You will recognize many of these Comedy All Stars from The Tonight
Show\, The Late Show\, Saturday Night Live\, HBO\,
Showtime\, MTV and many other network programs. Be part of the fun and h
ilarity during the taping of this new stand up showcase with 12 great cle
an comics and Louie Anderson. What could be better for our comedy fans?

\n

Three-time Emmy Award winner Louie Anderson — whose most recent awar
d is for his extraordinary role of Christine\, on FX comedy series “ asket
s” — is one of the country’s most recognized and adored comics. Named by C
omedy Central as “One of 100 Greatest Stand-Up Comedians of All Time\,” Louie’s career has span
ned more than 30 years. He is a best-selling author and star of his own st
and-up specials and sitcoms\, and he continues to tour the country.

\n<
p>Louie’s TV credits include The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson
and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno\, Letterman\, The
Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson\, Comic Relief and numer
ous Showtime\, HBO and CMT specials. He also starred as the host of the le
gendary game show\, Family Feud.\n

* Please Note: This show is
appropriate for ages 14 & older. This show will be filmed for television.
By purchasing a ticket to this event\, you give Pure Flix Entertainment y
our consent to be photographed\, filmed and/or otherwise recorded\, and yo
ur entry to this event constitutes your consent to your appearance in any
use of these recordings by Pure Flix Entertainment. Due to the taping of t
his show\, specific seating may not be determined until the night of the e
vent. All seats are General Admission. No Reserved Seating. Please call th
e Box Office at 919-553-1737 for more information.

The Clayton Center in partne
rship with Sinclair Entertainment presents The Blackpack in their hit come
dy show “All Laughs Matter” on Friday\, January 20\, at 8 PM.

\n

Thes
e veteran comedians – Vince Morris\, BT and Billy D. Washington – take a g
ood-natured\, often brutally honest look at the national political spectru
m and celebrate our differences one joke at a time. Join the Blackpack as
they chip at the walls of racial and social stereotypes with a steady stre
am of laughter.

Miki Howard is a Grammy nominated\, multi-platinum award w
inning recording artist\, and actress. A native of Chicago\, Howard found
success as a solo artist with two number one hit songs on the R&B charts “
Ain’t Nuthin’ in the World” in 1988 followed by “Ain’t Nobody Like You” in
1992. In 2002\, Howard was nominated for a Grammy award for her album\,
“Three Wishes” followed by a Lifetime Achievement Award presented by The C
hicago Music Awards in 2012. Beyond her love and success as a recording ar
tist\, Howard appeared in various films including “Malcom X” (1992)\, “Poe
tic Justice” (1993)\, and her lifetime biopic\, “Love Under New Management
: The Miki Howard Story” (2016).

\n

Howard Hewett\, Jr. is a singer a
nd songwriter. A native of Akron\, OH\, Hewett began his career as lead si
nger of the R&B vocal group Shalamar before breaking out with a solo caree
r. He released two top 10 R&B soul singles\, “I Commit to Love” and “I’m f
or Real” in the 1980s. After finding success as a recording artist\, Hewet
t continued his singing career\, which includes contributing to the second
season theme song for the successful sitcom\, “Hanging with Mr. Cooper.”
Hewett later released two follow up albums\, including a self-titled album
\, “Howard Hewett\,” and two gospel albums\, “The Journey” and the follow-
up\, “The Journey Live: From the Heart\,” which each found success in thei
r respective genres.

The annual Daddy & Daughter Dance sponsored by Granite
Lodge 191 is Saturday\, February 18\, from 7-10 PM. Tickets are $40.00 per
daddy and daughter\, with no charge for additional daughters\, Tickets are available online an
d at the locations listed below. Ticke
t price includes light refreshments. Note: a limited number of tickets are
available. Call 919-665-1406 for more information.\n<
/p>\n

Clayton Visual Arts invites you to a
free “meet-the-artists” reception from 6-7:30 PM. The CVA exhibits change
monthly and feature the work of local artists. Come on out on the first Th
ursday of the month to view the new artwork and chat with area art enthusi
asts.

Join us on Thursday\, August 24\, for our Palla
dian Series season kick-off party\, starring Shana Tucker.

\n

Preview
our 15th anniversary series\, purchase new season ticket packages and enj
oy the show. The price is right! For just $10 per ticket\, you can enjoy h
ors d’oeuvres and drinks (cash bar) in the Council Chambers before the sho
w\, and then head to the auditorium for a performance by the incomparable
and irresistible Shana Tucker. The season kick-off recept
ion will be held from 6-7:15 PM. The concert begins at 7:30 PM. Seating fo
r this event will be limited (only 300 seats are available)\, so purchase
your tickets early!

Sh
ana’s style and sound are influenced by her jazz and classical roots\, whi
ch she deftly weaves with the pop music\, movie soundtracks and world musi
c of the 80s and 90s. For the past 5 years\, Shana has balanced her theatr
e\, club and festival performances with her role as featured cellist/vocal
ist in Cirque du Soleil’s KÀ at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. In 2017 she re
turned to her full-time touring and recording schedule.

John
Conlee is a country music icon and has been a member of the Grand Ole Opr
y since 1981. During John Conlee’s near 40 year career in Country Music\,
he has brought to audiences such classic songs as his signature song\, Rose Colored Glasses\, Friday Night Blues\, Backside of 30\
, Common Man\, Miss Emily’s Picture\, I Don’t Rememb
er Lovin’ You\, and more.

\n

Overall\, there have been over 30 s
ingle releases throughout the years with 26 of them charting in the top 20
or better. Eight of those 26 have reached the coveted No. 1 spot on the n
ational country charts.

Three of country music’s s
hining female stars hit the road together this fall\, stopping in Clayton
with their Chicks With Hits tour. Nashville divas Terri Clark\, Pam Tillis
and Suzy Bogguss perform their guitar-pull style acoustic show and come t
ogether to play your favorite hit songs from their legendary careers. Comb
ined\, these mighty musical ladies have more awards and nominations than w
e can count\, and all are members of the Grand Ole Opry. Don’t miss this c
hance to see them live at The Clayton Center.\n

Enjoy a taste of
some of the best food in town! The Clayton Woman’s Club presents its annua
l Taste of Carolina Cuisine. Vote for your favorite food from a host of lo
cal restaurants.

\n

All proceeds are used to assist the Clayton Woman
’s Club in their efforts to support community causes\, including Backpack
Buddies\, Christmas for Kids\, Hocutt-Ellington Library\, Clayton Arts Fes
tival\, Harbor House\, and more.

What began as an experiment— tr
ying out a wide range of new songs and styles with a fresh approach to sin
ging — has become a successful full-blown tour for Grammy winner Kathy Mat
tea and her long-time guitarist\, collaborator and friend Bill Cooley. The
Acoustic Living Room Tour brings this dynamic musical duo together for an
evening of great songs and great stories in a simple\, relaxed performanc
e that spotlights the pair’s acoustic guitar chops and Kathy’s lithe\, exp
ressive vocal style.

\n

Sit back and enjoy Kathy’s beloved classics s
uch as “18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses\,” “Where’ve You Been?” and many other
hits\, plus a handful of more eclectic and often requested tunes from her
extensive catalogue\, and a sprinkling of brand new material\, all reinte
rpreted for this new format.

Who are as handsome\, witty and as talented as the the day is long? The
Celtic Tenors that’s who! We love these guys…and you will\, too!

\n

C
elebrate the holidays with your family and friends and our favorite Irishm
en — Daryl\, James and Matthew — as they entertain you with skillful and a
rtistic renditions of Irish folk standards\, fun and energetic pop favorit
es and classic Christmas tunes. Enjoy a thoroughly uplifting evening of wo
rld-class music delivered with the endearing charm of The Celtic Tenors.
p>\n

The Celtic Tenors have captivated audiences around the world since
their arrival on the music scene in 2000. What began as three very talent
ed friends gathering on the operatic stage has since exploded into an inte
rnational recording and touring phenomenon that transcends the trio’s clas
sical roots and embraces folk\, pop and various other dimensions of the mu
sical spectrum.

The Johnston County Chorale presents thei
r 2017 holiday concert “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year\,” on Saturday
\, December 16\, at 2 pm and 7 pm. Special guests include students from th
e Artistry in Motion Dance Studio. Enjoy your favorite holiday tunes\, and
look for a visit from Santa Claus.

The Johnston County Chorale presents thei
r 2017 holiday concert “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year\,” on Saturday
\, December 16\, at 2 pm and 7 pm. Special guests include students from th
e Artistry in Motion Dance Studio. Enjoy your favorite holiday tunes\, and
look for a visit from Santa Claus.

This New Year\, laugh your heart out with comedians Hu
ggy Lowdown and Chris Paul along with Tony Woods. Sinclair Entertainment p
resents “Bama Of The City Tour 2018\,” hosted by J. Derrell\, on Friday\,
January 12\, beginning at 8 PM at The Clayton Center.

\n

Washington\,
D.C.-based comedian and radio personality Huggy Lowdown does a daily take
on celebrities and gossip on the Tom Joyner Morning Show. Listeners look
to hear Huggy’s signature phrases like ‘What’s the deal pickles’ and his a
ffectionate terms for favorite celebs like when he calls Tom Joyner ‘Broth
er Beige.’ He has also been featured on HBO‘s Def Comedy Jam.

\n

Chri
s Paul is a standup comedian and regular contributor to the Tom Joyner Mor
ning Show. He has been featured on Comedy Central and BET. He has also co-
headlined a show at the Kennedy Center with Dave Chappelle back in 2006.
p>\n

Tony Woods was born in North Carolina and raised in the D.C. area.
Woods kicked off his career as an original member of Russell Simmons’ Def
Comedy Jam on HBO and P. Diddy’s Bad Boys of Comedy\, he is an all-round v
eteran and one-of-a-kind comic. His playful and cool demeanour\, combined
with sharp and mischievous subject matter\, create a show that is unmistak
ably entertaining at every level.

\n

“Bama Of The City Tour is a fun-
filled comedy event that you do not want to miss\,” said Michael\nSi
nclair of Sinclair Entertainment. “Come down for a great night of laughs w
ith three amazing and\ntalented comedians.”

First time in this area – a LIVE
TAPING!\nIf you enjoy reality and/or game shows then you will have a
great time at the After the “I Do’s” Game Show where couples answer probi
ng questions to show how much they know about each other….or don’t know. C
elebrity comedian host\, Les Long\, will keep you laughing from beginning
to end! The winning couple goes home with a “Date-Cation” aka weekend geta
way. The audience also has a chance to win prizes during quick games throu
ghout the show. A vendors pavilion will of
fer speciality items before and after the show. Early Bird tickets are onl
y $20 plus tax and service charge. Purchase them at w
ww.theclaytoncenter.com\nDon’t miss this first time event!

\n

\n

Vendor spaces and sponsorship
opportunities are available. Email aftertheidosshow@gmail.com for more inf
ormation. Limited spaces are available and they will go quickly!

Singer-songwriter and recording artist Carrie Newcomer has been des
cribed as a ”soaring songstress” by Billboard and a “prairie myst
ic” by the Boston Globe. The Austin Statesman described
her as having “a voice as rich as Godiva chocolate\,” and Rolling Ston
e once said\, she “asks all the right questions.” Most simply put\,
the Dallas Morning News said\, “she’s the kind of artist whose mu
sic makes you stop\, think and then say\, ‘that is so true.’”

\n

She
was listed as one of the “50 most influential folk musicians of the past 5
0 years” by Chicago’s WFMT\, and Boston’s WBEZ listed her as one of the mo
st influential folk artists of the last 25 years. She has toured with Alis
on Krauss\, and Nickel Creek recorded Newcomer’s song “I Should’ve Known B
etter” on their Grammy-winning album This Side.\n

Anne of Green Gables follows the misadventures of Anne (spelled with an “E”) Shirley — a wild
ly independent orphan with fiery red hair and a temper to match. ​Anne is
mistakenly sent to live with a plainspoken farmer and his spinster sister\
, who thought they were adopting a boy! She wins over the Cuthberts and al
l of Prince Edward Island with her irrepressible spirit and imagination —
and wins over audiences with this warm\, poignant story about love\, home
and family.

\n

Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students
18 and under\, plus sales tax and fees. Tickets go on sale at 10 AM on Mo
nday\, January 22.

Anne of Green Gables follows the misadventures of Anne (spelled with an “E”) Shirley — a wild
ly independent orphan with fiery red hair and a temper to match. ​Anne is
mistakenly sent to live with a plainspoken farmer and his spinster sister\
, who thought they were adopting a boy! She wins over the Cuthberts and al
l of Prince Edward Island with her irrepressible spirit and imagination —
and wins over audiences with this warm\, poignant story about love\, home
and family.

\n

Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students
18 and under\, plus sales tax and fees. Tickets go on sale at 10 AM on Mo
nday\, January 22.

If you like cornbread and hush puppi
es\, you are going to love the Malpass Brothers. With sincerity\, honesty
and an utter ease on stage that belies their years\, the Malpass Brothers’
smooth vocal blend and skillful musicianship layer into the deep respect
they pay to legends who came before them.

\n

As young boys\, Christop
her and Taylor soaked up the music of their granddad’s phonograph records.
Christopher earned his first talent show trophy at age 7\, and Taylor was
playing mandolin by the time he was 10. Today\, they promote the work and
music of classic country artists they treasure while creating new music a
nd making their own mark in the lineage of a rich American cultural herita
ge.

The East Clayton Elementary School
Drama Club presents “Treasure Island” on Thursday and Friday\, March 22 an
d 23 at 7 PM.

\n

The ECES Drama Club is comprised of students from 3r
d through 5th grades. They have prepared for and then auditioned for a pos
ition within this club. Tickets are $6 for teens and adults and $3 for stu
dents ages 12 and under.

Voted Best Family Show In Las Vegas

\n

The wor
ld famous Popovich Pet Theater\, voted best family show in Las Vegas\, is
a European-style circus extravaganza presented by Gregory Popovich.

\n<
p>Popovich\, a fifth generation circus performer who learned early on how
to develop strong bonds with animals\, has rescued a majority of his perfo
rmers from shelters all over the country and has transformed them into Las
Vegas stars. He is a gold medal winner in Paris\, France\, and a special
award winner in Monte Carlo.\n

Popovich and his pets were finalists
on “America’s Got Talent\,” were guests on TV shows with Jay Leno\, David
Letterman and Craig Ferguson\, and were featured on Animal Planet and othe
r television shows. The entertaining show includes physical comedy\, juggl
ing\, acrobats from the Moscow Circus\, trained dogs\, birds and even hous
e cats. All of the pets are trained using positive reinforcement technique
s that enhance their natural abilities.

\n

You will not want to miss
this opportunity to see this unique\, family-friendly show featuring this
legendary circus entertainer and his furry friends.

The Johnston County Chorale performs in its spring 2018 conc
ert\, “Made in the USA.” The chorale presents your favorite music of Ameri
can Band Stand\, country and gospel\, with a patriotic finale and a specia
l salute to the troops. Tickets on sale beginning Monday\, April 2\, at 10
AM. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. A group
rate is available.

Like his
trademark suit\, David Myles music is timeless. From soulful\, contemporar
y pop crooners to delicate\, jazzy folk ditties\, from down-home\, back po
rch roots tunes to infectious hip-hop earworms\, this Juno Award winner’s
only artistic constants are his always growing\, shape-shifting songwritin
g\, and his exceptional ability to entertain.

\n

David effortlessly i
njects any song with his irresistible energy\, which has led him to numero
us collaborations – with a Latin Grammy winner to a world-renowned opera d
iva to a Canadian hip hop star. His endearing live charm\, coupled with an
uplifting sense of humor\, has gained David an increasingly large fanbase
\, and afforded him frequent festival appearances.

\n

Hovering somewh
ere around a magic spot between James Taylor and Justin Timberlake\, David
’s diverse set of musical tools has garnered a staggering number of presti
gious nominations and awards. He has earned a reputation as a great showma
n\, and his flawless musicianship and unforgettable stories have made him
a favorite with fans everywhere.

When rock star Conrad Birdie is drafted into the army\, his fans a
re devastated\, but none more than struggling songwriter Albert Peterson\,
whose song Birdie was just about to record. Albert’s longtime girlfriend\
, Rosie\, pushes Albert to write a new tune that Birdie will perform on television to a fan selected in a contest. The scheme w
orks\, with young Ohio teenager Kim McAfee declared the winner\, but no on
e has counted on the jealous wrath of her boyfriend.

\n

Clayto
n Youth Theater presents this fabulously fun production July 27 and 28\, a
nd August 2-4\, at The Clayton Center. Tickets go on sale on Monday\, June
25\, at 10 AM. Tickets are $12 adults\, $6 students 18 and under.

When rock star Conrad Birdie is drafted into the arm
y\, his fans are devastated\, but none more than struggling songwriter Alb
ert Peterson\, whose song Birdie was just about to record. Albert’s longti
me girlfriend\, Rosie\, pushes Albert to write a new tune that Birdie will
perform on television to a fan selected in a contest
. The scheme works\, with young Ohio teenager Kim McAfee declared the winn
er\, but no one has counted on the jealous wrath of her boyfriend.<
/p>\n

Clayton Youth Theater presents this fabulously fun production July
27 and 28\, and August 2-4\, at The Clayton Center. Tickets go on sale on
Monday\, June 25\, at 10 AM. Tickets are $12 adults\, $6 students 18 and
under.

The 2018-19 Palladian Series preview and presale party is Frida
y\, August 10. A $10 ticket will buy you an evening out AND the c
hance to purchase individual tickets to shows in the season before they go
on sale to the general public.

\n

Al Strong and the Fresh Five headl
ine the event\, with a 7:30 PM concert. A pre-show reception featuring hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar takes place begin
ning at 6:30 PM.

\n

IMPORTANT:Tickets purchased
after Wednesday\, August 1\, will be for concert admission ONLY
strong> and will NOT include the preshow reception.<
/p>\n

About Al Strong & The Fresh Five

\n

This ensemble seeks to push the envelope in defying musica
l genres\, with hints of AfroBeat\, rock\, jazz and soul music all nicely
woven together.

\n

It’s
all dance music for this group and a chance for pure musical expression.
When not performing in the Raleigh-Durham area\, Al Strong balances his no
nprofit and teaching responsibilities with traveling and performing. He is
regularly booked in jazz scenes up and down the East coast\, frequenting
cities such as New York\, DC and Atlanta. He has headlined his own shows a
t the BlueNote Jazz Festival\, the Winter Jazz Fest\, Blues Alley and a ho
st of other clubs. At the heart of Strong’s work ethic is dedication to bu
ilding a brand based on good\, honest music that connects with and speaks
to the listener’s hearts.

The North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership and the
Clayton Chamber of Commerce will host a “Hometown Debate” at the Clayton
Center on Tuesday\, October 9\, at 7 PM. This event is free to the public.

\n

Continuing its popular “Hometown Debate” series it began in 2016\
, IOPL is hosting four nights of debates in late Septembe
r and early October\, addressing four of the six proposed amendments to th
e state Constitution.

\n

The debate in Clayton will focus on the prop
osed amendment of increasing legislative control over appointments to the
bipartisan elections and ethics board. The doors to the Clayton Center wil
l open at 6:30 PM\, followed by the debate at 7 PM.

\n

The debate wil
l be taped and broadcast by Spectrum News. Spectrum will air the debate in
its entirety on its website at www.spectrumlocalnews.com and an abbreviated v
ersion on its program\, In Focus\, on Sunday\, October 14\, at bo
th 11:30 AM and 8:30 PM. Streaming coverage and online sources will also b
e available.

Three of the vo
ices that defined 90s country music – Sammy Kershaw\, Aaron Tippin
a> and Collin Raye – join forces
in the Roots & Boots tour. Comb
ined\, the trio has amassed more than 40 Top 10 radio smash hits and sold
more than 25 million albums. Don’t miss these iconic country artists as th
ey come together to swap stories and perform their classic songs all on on
e stage.

\n

Reserved seating for this
show is SOLD OUT. Please call the Box Office at 919-553-1737 or email eve
ntinfo@townofclaytonnc.org for information about this show or to be added
to a waiting list should seats become available. Stan
ding Room Only tickets are available for this show for $25\, plus tax
& fees.

T
he Woman’s Club of Clayton presents the 14th Annual Taste of Carolina Cuis
ine on Friday\, November 2\, at 6:30 PM at The Clayton Center. Enjoy food
samples from local restaurants and vote for your favorites. Participate in
the Silent Auction to purchase some great items. Save the date and join t
he Woman’s Club for an evening of fun and fundraising! Tickets are $40 and
are available from Woman’s Club of Clayton members or by calling 919-412-
6368.

Royal Wood\, Canadian singer\,
songwriter\, multi-instrumentalist and producer\, has established himself
as a true musical talent. Since being proclaimed “Songwriter of the Ye
ar” by iTunes\, Wood has continued to evolve and hone his musical craft –
maintaining an unmistakable identity while uncovering and reinventing his
sound.

\n

Wood has two albums that have debuted in the Top 30\, multi
ple JUNO nominations\, 2-time Canadian Folk Music Award-nominee\, and a #1
added song at Hot AC radio. His songs have been heard on high profile syn
c placements like Grey’s Anatomy\, and Private Practice.
Witness a night with this charming musical talent. $18

Clayton Youth Theater is looking for a few good student acto
rs! CYT will host auditions next week for the winter production of The
Diviners by Jim Leonard\, Jr.

\n

Students must be in 7th-12th g
rade during the 2018-2019 school year to be eligible to participate. Audit
ions will be held Friday\, November 16\, at 6:30 PM\, and Saturday\, Novem
ber 17\, at 10 AM\, at The Clayton Center.

Tickets on sale October 1 at 10 AM.

\n

Enjoy an old-fa
shioned Christmas show the way they used to be. Sing along to all of your
favorite songs of the season\, plus enjoy comedy\, carols and a sing-along
. The show features the Around Town Singers and a 25-piece orchestra\, plu
s special guests that you won’t want to miss. Follow A Clayton Christmas <
a href='http://www.AClaytonChristmas.com'>blog for details of this fam
ily-friendly show and performers.

\n

Tickets are $18\, plus sales tax
and fees. A group discount is available for groups of 10 or more.

During this experiential workshop\, participants will discus
s further ways to honor\, remember and celebrate those who have died. Part
icipants will create a commemorative luminary. This workshop is for indivi
dual adults as well as families. Children and teens are invited and encour
aged to participate with their parents in this workshop.

The Fabulous Equinox Orches
tra swings back through Clayton with a holiday show guaranteed to brighten
the season. Enjoy holiday classics – along with your favorite American st
andards – presented with the charm and extraordinary jazz musicianship of
Jeremy Davis\, Clay Johnson and the Equinox Orchestra. $35

Tickets on sale October 1 at 10 AM.

\n

The Johnst
on County Chorus presents A Christmas Spectacular\, its annual ho
liday show featuring all of your favorite seasonal songs and skits. Specia
l guests this year include dancers from Artistry in Motion dance studio.
p>\n

Tickets on sale October 1 at 10 AM.

\n

The Johnst
on County Chorus presents A Christmas Spectacular\, its annual ho
liday show featuring all of your favorite seasonal songs and skits. Specia
l guests this year include dancers from Artistry in Motion dance studio.
p>\n

The o
ne and only Dr. Professor Kubínek is a comic genius\, virtuoso vaudevillia
n and all-round charmer who gives audiences an utterly joyous experience t
hey’ll remember for a lifetime.

\n

His latest creation\, Tomáš Kubíne
k – Miracle Man\, is a rip-roaring revival of strong-man stunts\, snake-he
alings and mass-hypnosis that leaves audiences dazed\, beaming and in love
with life once again.

\n

“Hilarious and enormously talented.” Timeout\, Londo
n

\n

With appearances in more than 30 countries and a pr
ofessional career spanning three decades\, Kubínek has won the hearts of t
housands in theatres\, opera houses\, television specials\, on Broadway an
d at international festivals. Transcending categorization\, his work leave
s audiences clutching their sides with laughter. His internationally accla
imed solo performances play to packed theaters around the world.

\n

<
span style='color: #c41616\;'>Please note: Due to the focused nature o
f the program\, this performance is not suitable for children under 8 year
s old.

North Carolina based song
stress Yolanda Rabun is a fierce performer whose versatility allows her to
master all styles of music. Her shows are engaging\, full of passion\, an
d include straight-ahead and contemporary jazz\, blues\, folk\, pop and ev
en gospel. A skilled singer with a natural storytelling instinct\, Yolanda
will WOW you with her boundless energy\, inventiveness and commanding voc
al power. $22

Winner of the American College Theatre Festival\, The Divi
ners\, is the story of a mentally challenged boy and his friendship w
ith a disenchanted preacher. In the fictional town of Zion\, Indiana\, dur
ing the Great Depression\, a widowed farmer is raising his teenage son Bud
dy\, whose brain was damaged during a near drowning. Because of this exper
ience\, the boy is terrified of water\, yet he has also developed a certai
n brand of giftedness. When C.C. Showers\, a former preacher\, comes to th
e farm seeking employment and food\, a special (and ultimately tragic) bon
d develops between the two. Rated PG for mild language and tragedy.

\n

Tickets for The Diviners are $12 for adults and​$6 for stude
nts 18 and under\, plus sales tax and fees. All seating for these performa
nces is reserved.

J
ames Judd is a stand-up storyteller and radio personality from NPR’s S
nap Judgment\, the legendary improv troupe The Groundlings\, and The
New Faces of the Hollywood Improv. Often compared to David Sedaris and Osc
ar Wilde\, James weaves comic\, autobiographical tales that crowd the stag
e with hilarious characters and situations. James will be joined by Jen Ko
ber who brings crowds to their feet with her original blend of stand-up\,
storytelling and improvised rock-n-roll comedy. $22

Lee Roy Parnell returns\,
bringing his “soulful vocal delivery and blistering array of guitar chops\
,” to the stage. The multiple Grammy Award nominee is widely recognized as
one of the best slide guitar players on the planet. Don’t miss this chanc
e to see Lee Roy live as he performs his brand of Texas blues\, Memphis so
ul\, and Southern rock. $25